Blog

Fixing a faucet leak is something that can easily be performed by a homeowner. It may sound like a complicated problem but knowing the basics will make you realize it can actually be done. First of all though, in order for you to fix anything, you need to determine the type of faucet you’re dealing with. In this regard, you’re probably dealing with any of the four basic faucet types. These are cartridge, compression, disc, or ball type.

There are certain instances when you can fix the faucet by simply replacing one or two worn components. However, there are also cases when there is a need to replace the entire valve mechanism just to complete the repair. You will need a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and some basic plumbing knowledge to do some fixing on your own.

Generally speaking, faucets that bear two handles will use either the disc type or compression valve system. These two mechanisms will develop drips from the spout of the faucet and mind you, this is quite complicated to repair. A single handle faucet meanwhile may be using a ball or cartridge valve mechanism. There are a few that use the disc mechanism as well. The main problem of these mechanisms is that they will most likely develop a leak at the base of the faucet handle, not the spout. So if you really don’t have a clue as to the type of faucet you have, the best course of action is to take the entire valve assembly to a hardware store and ask for an expert opinion. You have to do this to make sure you’re purchasing the right parts.

Provided you have a faucet that uses a compression type of valve mechanism, the repair you need will depend on the location of the leak. For instance, leaks that come from the handle will need replacement of the packing material, which by the way includes the washer, o-ring, and twine. There are also instances when all you have to do is tighten the packing nut in order to stop the leak. But if the water drips from the faucet spout, what you need this time is replacement of the valve seat, seat washer, or both in order to effectively repair it. The ordinary faucet repair kit has all the parts for fixing this type of faucet.

Also, those faucet types that contain a cartridge style valve mechanism usually develop a leak the moment the rubber o-ring of the cartridge stem becomes worn out or broken. There will be cases when the entire cartridge will be replaced just to stop the leak. So when you’re repairing a cartridge faucet, you have to be careful when using the parts that will match the original components. And we mean exactly match. Good thing is the replacement parts are readily available in hardware and home improvement stores.

So there you have it – the basic tips in dealing with a faucet leak. The next time you experience one, you now have some knowledge on how to fix it.

Are you suffering from annoying leaks in your plumbing system? Do you see the need to repair or probably replace a plumbing fixture? In these cases, you can do the repairs or replacement yourself. However, there’s one thing you need to do first: find the water shut off valve to that fixture.

In most instances, there are at least two to three places to shut off the water supply to a plumbing fixture. Listed below are your options on what to do:

1. First, you need to check the fixture. There should be shut off valves located behind the toilet or under the sink. If you think something is giving you a lot of problems or perhaps you’ve found the problem and you are trying to fix it, you first have to shut off the water in this area.

2. Supposed you’re working on a hot water line or if there is hot water leaking, good thing is there is a shut off valve just above the hot water heater. The same valve will exclusively shut off the hot water supply in the house and nothing else.

3. Next, look at the main shutoff to the house. In most instances, this is found in the front of the house, provided the meter is there too. If you live in colder areas, the main shutoff valve will likely be found in the basement instead of the outside.

4. See the water meter this time. Water meter boxes usually have two shutoff valves. There’s one on the customer side and another one on the city side of the meter.

Water Supply Shutoff

As soon as you need to shut the water supply off to the house or in the event that there is no local shutoff valve, the place to look is the water meter. The moment you find it, you will see a water supply line coming into the house from the outside. There’s a shutoff valve between it and the water meter. On the other side, there’s another shutoff valve. In order to shut off the water, all you have to do is turn off the valve located before the water meter. It means you’re going to turn it off on the supply side.

Shutoff Locally at the Sink or Toilet Area

Furthermore, there are plumbing fixtures that have local shutoff for the cold and hot water lines. In order to turn off the water supply to a plumbing fixture, you first need to find the shutoff valve. The same is usually found directly under the fixture. As soon as you find it, turn it off.

Tub or Shower

Finding water shut off valves for showers and tubs may not be as easy compared to that of sinks and toilets, but they can be found. The thing is it’s a lot more difficult because they are usually concealed or hidden. What you need to do is look around the tub and shower and find an access panel. If the valve isn’t in the access panel, it may be located under the floor in the basement or perhaps a ceiling access panel which is fund in the floor below. Once you see it, turn it off.